The Asteroid

by M R Cates

  “Thank you for coming all this way, Dr. Hughes,” she began. “We are grateful to you and the others at the staff of Keck Observatory – and indeed many other observatories around the world – for your careful and diligent work in studying the famous asteroid that is now circling the Earth. You can understand that we are anxious to understand as much as we can about this object and the five other related objects without having to depend on the interpretation of various news media, or less directly informed scientists, no matter how well intentioned. No one has been closer to the events of these last months than you, Dr. Hughes. My boss, President McBrand tells me you are straightforward and knowledgeable.” Her tone carried a tiny implication that perhaps the President had been a little too generous with his opinion.”

  “Thank you for hosting me, Ms Vigola,” Sandra responded evenly. She was wearing dark slacks and white silk blouse, looking much less formal than anyone else in the room.

  As Sandra said this, three other “suits” entered, two men and a woman. They introduced themselves as LeMond Griswald, on the staff of Senator Thurston Mallory, from Minnesota, Jonah Breen, on the staff of Representative Mamondra Clark, from New Jersey, and Paula Templeton, on the staff of Representative Lockhart Hale of Oregon. Sandra's instant evaluation of them told her that Griswald was reasonable and open-minded, Breen was someone who might enjoy hearing himself speak, and that Templeton would be the most difficult of the tree to deal with, being someone who seemed to wear ambition on her sleeve. Sandra knew her own tendency toward snap judgments, upbraided herself regularly for the trait, but depended on it more than she knew was wise. It took a few minutes for the three to settle themselves, moving stacks of paper, positioning briefcases, and the like. Sandra sat calmly and waited.

  “To begin,” Madeleine Vigola finally said, “As you might guess, Dr. Hughes, our major concern is what kind of threat the asteroid might pose. I wonder if you'd care to make a statement as to your feelings in this regard?”

  Sandra managed to make eye contact with all six before speaking. “What the potential threat from the asteroid might be is everyone's major concern,” she said. “The question of threat is, in fact, what I have considered almost exclusively in preparing my thoughts for this discussion. But, rather than start by expressing my own belief about any possible threat – since my guess is no better than yours – let me first lay out the nature of our circumstances as I see them by speculating on the possible implications of the behavior or our alien visitors, so far. Would that approach be satisfactory to you?” She looked at Vigola, then Jonah Breen, sensing she needed to let the Congressional staff know she was including them as well.

  Vigola said, “Yes, that would certainly be a satisfactory way to get us started, Dr. Hughes.”

  “Fine. Let me begin by telling you what we know about our visitors. It isn't very much, as you will see, but I don't think it is insignificant, either.

  “To begin, on March 1st of this year we noticed Asteroid 1744, from our standard table of asteroids, was in a different orbit from the catalog information. We also noted its shape was very much like a huge doughnut, around fifteen miles in diameter. Both items were inconsistent with expectations. Asteroid orbits are well known and none has ever been seen to look like a doughnut. It is highly unlikely for an asteroid to form naturally with such a shape.”

  “Did you, Dr. Hughes,” Laughton Van Camp interjected, “consider this a sign of alien visitation as soon as you noticed these two things?”

  Sandra gave the deputy a slight smile. “I considered it a sign of something unexpected, sir. One of those unexpected possibilities was a visit by other sentient beings. But another was that the asteroid had somehow blown apart, producing the hole through its center and driving it into another orbit. That latter possibility, in fact, was my first guess, and seemed far more likely than any other possibility.

  “Later, however, the orbit changed again, and then once more, during which a long plume of ejected plasma, the apparent method of propulsion, appeared and was studied during the orbital change.”

  “And you confirmed,” staffer Griswald asked, “that the plume of which you speak was in fact the propulsion source for the asteroid?”

  “We confirmed that reasonable estimates of the plume density, velocity profile and atomic makeup could predict the orbital changes that took place. The evidence, in fact, was quite compelling.”

  Griswald continued, “It was, at this point, Dr. Hughes, that you and Dr. Reginald Wyler released the information about the asteroid. Is that correct?”

  “Yes. But we also had been working with the Insituto Astronomico in the Pyrenees not far north of Barcelona, and its director Dr. Frederico Constanza. Both observatories were part of the press release.”

  “We understand that, Dr. Hughes,” Vigola said. She seemed a little impatient. “We take it you announced the possible arrival of aliens within our solar system as soon as you realized they had arrived?”

  “Yes, we did. But you see, despite being very certain the asteroid and the five fragments from it are under the control of some extraterrestrial sentience, we don't know whether any of these putative beings are actually on or in the asteroid or its companions.”

  Martha Winston interposed, “Why do you not know?” The question sounded slightly incredulous.

  “Because we have not seen any evidence of them, Ms Winston. Except indirect evidence. That indirect evidence, however, is very compelling. Huge amounts of energy were necessary to move the asteroid into its present orbit. Further, the shaping of and orbital changing of the five fragments was at least as impressive.”

  “You said,” Paula Templeton asked, tapping her note pad as she did so, “that you don't really know much about the alien visitors. Are there other things you know, that you haven't mentioned yet?”

  “Yes, Ms Templeton. We know that our radio signals, transmitted to Fragment Five – the closest – were retarded in their return to Earth upon reflection, indicating a distortion of space-time that we have no explanation for.”

  “I don't think I understand, doctor.” The tone indicated that if she, Paula Templeton, didn't understand then Sandra had been inadequate in her explanation.

  Tone of voice, however, didn't impress or affect Sandra. She said, “We predicted when the signals should come back to earth after striking the fragment. They were 80 microseconds late. That is a very major finding.”

  Templeton said nothing to this, continuing to tap and write.

  “I read something about this, Dr. Hughes,” Van Camp nodded, writing something as he spoke. “The President's Science Advisor has mentioned it in staff meetings. But I confess not to understand the relevance.”

  “It means that the aliens have done something to our signal, either intentionally or unintentionally, to affect the way it reflects or how fast the radio waves move through the zone near the fragment. To me, it offers a clue that they may have abilities associated with modifying matter and energy that are unknown to us.”

  Vigola asked, “Dr. Hughes, you mentioned a willingness to offer some speculation about the aliens. I for one would be interested in hearing it. The facts you've given are reasonably well known.” The comment was a subtle indication again that she wanted to move Sandra along, and that she wished to hear something new.

  Sandra, unaffected, it seemed, by any implications in the questioner's statement, looked up at Vigola, directly into her piercing deep-brown eyes, then said, “I had thought to remind the group of the known facts in advance of my speculations, Ms Vigola, first to give the basis of the speculations, and second, to give distinction between fact and fancy.”

  “I accept that, Dr. Hughes,” Vigola nodded. “Please continue.”

  “Alright. Here's my take on the facts. First, I believe there are alien beings within hollow regions, probably in each of the six objects. Our data do not absolutely prove the rocks are hollow, but do give strong reason to suspect as much. Second, I believe the containment for the aliens ha
s a specific – or more than one – purpose. I don't believe they want us to see them directly – whatever it is that we might see. There may be some danger to us or to them if they are not contained within those hollows. Fragment Five, in fact – the closest to us – seems to have some additional electromagnetic shielding within its structure.

  “Second, I believe that dim reddish patterns we have noticed from time to time – especially recently, now that the four fragments are in geosynchronous orbit and Fragment Five is in low-earth orbit – have something to do with communication for the aliens. These, of course, are not radical ideas, appearing to be fairly obvious. We have measured no radio frequency energy except our own transmissions. Studies underway as we speak, at the Keck Observatory, are showing a kind of link among the five fragments, traced by these red-orange emissions. I am lead to believe that the four geosynchronous fragments are controlling or monitoring Fragment Five. There is also a likelihood that orange or red links are going from the four fragments up to the main asteroid. We will have confirmed these data within a day or two.

  “Third, I ...”

  Jonah Breen interrupted her. “ Excuse me, Dr. Hughes,” he said, in a clear tenor, “are you asserting that these aliens are attempting to observe us or in some way interfere with human affairs?”

  Patiently, Sandra nodded. “I believe, Mr. Breen, that the aliens are in fact observing us. We also know that their four geosynchronous fragments caused a certain level of electromagnetic disturbance to communications satellites we have in geosynchronous orbit, though some distance away. Those disturbances have been worked around, with no permanent harm done, but they do offer a clue that supports our sense that the hollow containment of the asteroid and fragments may be of significance.

  “My fourth comment, ladies and gentlemen, is somewhat more speculative, but in deference to this group's specific responsibilities, I feel it should be offered. If the aliens are here to observe us, they are likely to have a motivation beyond mere curiosity. It is inconceivable to me that they would establish such an elaborate presence – a presence they must know we have noticed – without a very good reason – in their manner of thinking – for doing so. I do not, however, believe the aliens have any destructive plans in mind. At least not immediately or not until they have had their look at us. To remind you of what you already have heard, if they had wanted to send the asteroid, any of its fragments, or presumably, some other similar chunk of rock, down to strike the Earth's surface, it has been abundantly illustrated that they had the means and energy to do so. I hardly need to remind you of the destruction arising from the impact of an asteroid fifteen miles in diameter. Whatever they have in mind for us, it would be well if we prepare ourselves as a family of nations sharing the same vulnerable planet.”

  “Are we to assume, then, that we will be in danger?” Madeleine Vigola asked, eyes both showing her concern and core of self confidence.

  “Absolutely, Ms Vigola. But since the aliens didn't send rocks down on Earth – which they could have done and can do, probably – we also have to assume that they are pursuing other courses beyond simply doing us harm. In other words, if they intend to harm us they do not intend only to harm us. They have other things in mind for us first.”

  Laughton Van Camp spoke. His face showed an intensity that was shared by everyone in the room. “Is it your supposition, Dr. Hughes, that the aliens may be testing us in some way, and that if they don't like our answers, will attempt to eliminate us?”

  A pall of silence fell upon the room at the question – since it was the question on everyone's mind. The cameras recording the session zoomed tighter onto Sandra's face, recording a placidity that was not shared by her questioners.

  “That is not an unlikely scenario,” she said. “If we for some reason are perceived as a threat to this alien race we could be targeted for destruction. That doomsday scenario has been well exercised in the media in the last four months. With such a possibility in mind – especially if it is adopted by political, spiritual, and social leaders around the world as something very likely to happen – we could quickly distract ourselves as a race by sinking into depression, fear, or – worse – foolish and poorly thought out action.”

  The silence remained unbroken for a few seconds. Then, the Chief of Staff said, “Dr. Hughes, what do you consider to be well thought out action?”

  The room stirred. Sandra returned Vigola's gaze and said, “I certainly don't claim to know all the wise things to do. But there are many very bright people in this world. It is important that those who are best qualified be used, but without undue haste.” At this point she looked quietly at the six who faced her. “There is something else I should remind us all of, ladies and gentlemen,” she continued. “Though I may be absolutely wrong about this – since, after all, we don't have any direct proof that there are actually aliens in those orbiting rocks, nor that they are actively watching us – it is nonetheless my judgment that every broadcast or transmission of any kind that we as a race produce is likely to be detected by our visiting aliens. Certainly transmissions from antennas and from satellites to Earth are likely to be detectable. Other transmissions may also be observed. My recommendation to you and your superiors is that we stop producing official communication by any means other than shielded wire, mail, or courier. I fully expect that the aliens may have heard every word that is broadcast by the news media or any government channel that doesn't encrypt its communiqués, and probably are well on their way to understanding every word – if they don't already.”

  Then Dr. Sandra Hughes sat back into her chair. The cameras on her face showed, for the first time, an intensity that matched those on the dais above her.

  Madeleine Vigola considered the words Sandra had said. “I think, Dr. Hughes, with your concurrence, I'd like to adjourn this session. Unless you have a further comment.”

  “I guess not,” the astronomer said.

  Looking around for agreement, satisfied she had it, the Chief of Staff stood, said thank you once more to Sandra, and came back down and around to shake her hand. Within five minutes, Sandra was back in the car, and within ten, back in the helicopter.

  Chapter 18

  Upon departing the humvee that brought her from the helicopter pad the quarter mile to the resort where she was staying, Sandra went directly to her room and called her sister Debbie from the bedside phone. It wasn't yet nine o'clock in Austin, and she hoped to catch her sister before work. She did.

  “Hello,” said Debbie.

  “Hi Deb, good morning.”

  “Hey, I saw you on TV yesterday,” said her sister. “You're quite a cocky bitch, aren't you?”

  Sandra said. “I was just watching a CNN replay during my helicopter ride to where I'm staying.”

  “God, this is too much, Sandy. You're flying around in a fuckin' helicopter and I'm worrying about some doctor's malpractice insurance premiums. Is that fair or what?”

  “Want to trade, Deb?”

  “Not a chance, honey. So, is that why you called – to brag on yourself?”

  Sandra kicked her shoes off and lay back on the bed. “That was the main reason, yeah, but I also wanted to see if I could hire you, sis.”

  “Hire me? Aren't you in enough hot water without adding in nepotism, Sandy?”

  “Nepotism shmepotism! You are perfectly qualified for what I have in mind.”

  Debbie laughed. “So you need a certified slut?”

  “No, that's an extra qualification that may be useful but not necessary.”

  “Sandy, what in God's name are you talking about?”

  “I really do want to hire you. Can you move to Hawaii – say, for a year at least?”

  “Sandy, you're starting to have hallucinations, you know. Why would I want to work for you anyway?”

  Sandra doubled up the pillow on the bed, arranging it under her head so she'd be lying at a tilted-up angle. She stared down at and wiggled her feet, then actually yawned before responding. “As you
might guess, Deb, I've been thinking non-stop about our alien visitors. We're in ...”

  “Sandy! Have you been drinking?” Debbie was beginning to lose her sense of humor.

  “Not nearly enough,” Sandra said. “Listen, there's a chance that things could get bad, you know, because of the visitors.”

  “The visitors no one has ever seen? Right. Come on, Sandy, you sound like the National Inquirer or one of these stupid talk shows. People are coming up with more ways the little green men can kill us than there are idiots in the Texas legislature.”

  “That many, huh?”

  “That many. Tell me, Sandy, that getting my ass kicked for being late to work is going to be worth it.”

  “It will be, child. In fact, if you'll give me your boss's number I'll call the guy and ask for forgiveness.”

  “I can ask for my own forgiveness, thank you. Now go on and say whatever idiotic thing you were going to say.”

  “Okay. Here's the deal. We have a budget for the asteroid project, as we call it, that includes temporary staff of many different kinds. Since you are my only kin, and since – despite your scurrilous reputation and well-known foul temper – I like you at lot, and since I believe you would be very useful in being the accounting manager for our project and its consortium of observatories – which, by the way, keeps growing all the time – and since I know I can trust you, and since I know that even as a certified slut you are nauseatingly honest, and so on and so forth, I want to hire you. And by damned I can do it. Reggie Wyler will let me do it, too. You'll work officially for him – so technically I won't be your boss, happily for both of us – but you will be listed under the project I'm responsible for.”

  “You're actually serious, Sandra Eleanor Hughes.”

  “Yep.”

  “And you also think maybe the aliens can be dangerous? What've you found out about them?”

  “You've heard everything I really know about them.”

  “Hmm.” Debbie mused. “So why are you worried, big sister?”